Gant, Maher Deal With Demands Of City, County Jobs

April 21, 1985

KISSIMMEE — Physician George Gant said being an Osceola County employee and mayor of Kissimmee doesn't call for anyone to master the political soft-shoe.

As mayor, he must often negotiate with -- and make decisions -- that could raise the political ire of his bosses, the county commissioners. He also is the director of the Osceola County Health Department.

City Commissioner Ken Maher also is a county employee. Maher works for the Tourism Development Council, the promotional arm of Osceola County.

A touchy issue looming on the horizon is whether Kissimmee will take advantage of a state law to exert control over county areas near city limits. Gant said he has wanted to do that for years to better manage growth; county commissioners are less than enthusiastic about the possibility.